let someone off the hook

He thought he would be punished, but the boss let him off the hook with a warning

The teacher decided to let the student off the hook for being late because of the traffic

She was expecting to pay a fine, but the officer let her off the hook with a lecture

The jury's unexpected verdict seemed to let the suspect off the hook

I was afraid I'd have to work this weekend, but my colleague let me off the hook

We were sure we'd have to pay for the damages, but the manager kindly let us off the hook

He confessed, but the police had to let him off the hook due to lack of evidence

She expected a scolding, but her parents let her off the hook this time

The company was in trouble, but a loophole let them off the hook

He was worried about the consequences, but the situation unexpectedly let him off the hook